West Ham United signed off the 2016/17 season in style after a 2-1 comeback win against Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday.
The hosts went in front through Wales international Sam Vokes before Sofiane Feghouli netted his third of the campaign to see the scores in level at the break. Feghouli’s equaliser was beautifully worked: he, Fernandes and Ayew combining on the edge of the box before the Algerian coolly slotted past Tom Heaton. It was however a familiar face who was on hand to put the Hammers in front and seal the three points.
Andre Ayew the quickest to react to Edimilson Fernandes’ rebounded shot by heading in from close range. The Ghanaian, who is quickly establishing a reputation for being in the right place at the right time, has been in impressive form since returning from African Cup of Nations duty in January.
Sunday’s goal was his sixth of a campaign which suffered a staggered and injury-plagued start. Since netting his maiden goal at Swansea on Boxing Day, the Ghanaian has scored his six from twelve starts and is the Hammers’ joint-leading scorer in 2017.
Ayew is a modern-day 'fox in the box' and his goal return for Swansea was what attracted West Ham. It took a little time, but the signs in 2017 are very positive for West Ham fans.
Ayew’s six goals have all been scored inside the 18-yard box with four, including Sunday’s winner, put home from inside six yards. Right place, right time - it is no coincidence.
In fact, without the Ghanaian's goals, the Hammers would have been five points worse off and finished 16th in the league.
Ayew was provider for Sofiane Feghouli’s leveller too - his third assist of the season, on an afternoon where his 85 per cent pass success rate was better than any of Sean Dyche’s players.
Defensively, James Collins dealt well with the lively Burnley forwards, Andre Gray and Sam Vokes, by winning the most aerial duels (seven). Collins’ six clearances was bettered only by Burnley’s Matt Lowton as West Ham sought to squeeze out any loose space in the attacking third.
For Burnley, Sam Vokes’ goal was their only attempt on target while they also had over 100 fewer touches than the Hammers.
The Hammers’ record-signing admitted that he was now “feeling good” about his game and will hope to take his good form into a summer international tour of the United States with Ghana before returning to pre-season with West Ham in July.